Michael's experience
Name: Michael Rose Company: BWB Consulting Ltd Award: Best Wellbeing Project
What did winning the award mean for you and your team (Was it a moment of pride, recognition, validation, or something else?) Winning this award means everything because it validates our commitment to our most important asset: our people. It’s a moment of immense pride that confirms our internal wellbeing initiatives are making a genuine difference, proving that putting our team’s health and happiness first is the right way to do business.
Take us back to the moment you found out you’d won — how did it feel? (What was the reaction in the room or within the team?) The atmosphere at our table was electric! Hearing BWB Consulting announced was a moment of pure joy and celebration. It felt like a shared victory for every member of the team, acknowledging the culture of care we’ve all worked so hard to build together.
What did you enjoy most about the Awards Gala dinner? (Meeting people from industry/the guest speaker/the venue/the celebration) The evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our industry’s successes in such a prestigious venue. It was particularly rewarding to network with peers who also value the 'human' side of engineering and to hear from inspiring speakers who champion progress in our field. Obviously, it was made better by winning!
What do you think really made your project stand out to the judges? (What part of the work are you most proud of?) We believe it was the authentic, person-centric nature of our wellbeing project. We didn't just look at checkboxes; we focused on creating a holistic support system that ensures every individual feels heard and looked after. Our evidence-led approach to mental and physical health likely resonated with the judging panel.
What’s been the biggest benefit of winning an ACE Award for you or your organisation? (Confidence, visibility, team morale, new opportunities, etc.) The boost to internal morale has been incredible. It has reinforced a sense of belonging and pride across the company. Externally, it demonstrates to future talent and our clients that BWB is a progressive, supportive, and people-first organisation. It’s also a great chance to network with clients, suppliers and others across the industry.
Why do awards like ACE matter for the engineering and consultancy profession? (What do they help celebrate, showcase, or encourage?) These awards are essential for shining a spotlight on the diverse aspects of our work, beyond just the technical delivery. Celebrating internal culture and wellbeing encourages the whole profession to strive for better environments, ensuring engineering remains a sustainable and attractive career path.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about entering the ACE Awards but isn’t sure yet? (Any reassurance, tips, or encouragement?) The process of entering allows you to step back and appreciate what you’ve achieved. Even the shortlisting is a fantastic achievement, but winning provides a level of validation that energises the entire team and sets a benchmark for future success.
In one sentence: why should others enter the ACE Awards? Entering the ACE Awards is the best way to showcase your excellence, benchmark your progress against the industry’s best, and give your team the professional recognition they truly deserve.
